Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
something does not hold water
idiom
/ˈsʌm.θɪŋ dʌz nɒt hoʊld ˈwɔː.tər/
Definition
A phrase used to describe an argument or explanation that is not convincing or fails to stand up to scrutiny.
Examples
- The explanation for the missing funds just does not hold water; there are too many inconsistencies in the story.
- After reviewing the evidence, the lawyer concluded that the witness’s claims did not hold water.
- Her argument about why she missed the meeting simply does not hold water.
Meaning
When someone says that something ‘does not hold water,’ they mean that it lacks validity or credibility.
Synonyms
- lacks credibility
- unconvincing
- not plausible
